When Do Puppies Lose Their Teeth? A Guide to Puppy Teething

Puppies usually start losing their baby teeth at around three to four months old, and most have a full set of adult teeth by six to seven months. Teething can make gums sore, so expect more chewing, some drooling and the odd tiny tooth on the floor. Most of the time it needs nothing more than the right chews and a bit of patience, but a baby tooth that refuses to budge is worth a vet check.

Puppy teething timeline at a glance

A puppy's first set of teeth, the baby teeth (also called milk teeth or deciduous teeth), comes through at around four to six weeks of age, usually before they leave their mum. Over the next few months the permanent teeth push up from underneath, the baby teeth loosen and fall out, and the adult teeth take their place. It is a normal milestone, and like human babies, puppies chew to soothe their gums while it happens.

UK sources give slightly different ages for each stage, because every puppy is different and timing varies with size and other factors. The ranges below cover what the main charities and vet schools say.

If your puppy is a little ahead of or behind these ages, that is normal. What matters more is that each baby tooth falls out as its adult replacement arrives.

When do puppies lose their teeth?

Most puppies lose their teeth between about three and six months of age. The Royal Veterinary College says baby teeth gradually fall out from around three months, Dogs Trust puts it at about 12 weeks, and the PDSA says at approximately four months of age. The teething process then runs on until the adult teeth are fully through.

You may not see many of the puppy teeth fall out. Baby teeth are tiny, and Dogs Trust notes that finding lost puppy teeth around the house is one of the signs of teething. It is normal for puppies to lose teeth at slightly different times, so a gap here and a wobbly tooth there is nothing to worry about.

What age do puppies lose their puppy teeth completely?

By around six months old most puppies have their full set of adult teeth, and by seven months almost all do. The RVC recommends a dental check at four to six months to make sure the baby teeth have come out properly and the adult teeth are coming through in good alignment. Your vet can often do this at a routine puppy visit.

How many teeth do puppies have?

A puppy has 28 baby teeth and an adult dog has a full set of 42 adult teeth. Both sets include incisors at the front, four long canine teeth and premolars behind them. The adult set also adds molars at the back, which puppies do not have.

Puppy teeth are smaller, slimmer and sharper than adult teeth, which is why those early nips feel like needles.

When do puppies start and stop teething?

Most puppies start teething when their adult teeth begin to erupt and push through, at around three to four months old. Teething normally lasts until around seven months old, so plan for three or four months of extra chewing.

Do not be surprised if the increased chewing does not stop the moment the last adult tooth appears. Dogs Trust notes that some dogs have a second chewing phase around their first birthday, caused by teeth settling and hormonal changes in adolescence. Battersea adds that most puppies grow out of mouthing by five to six months, but some larger breeds keep mouthing into their first year and occasionally up to 18 to 24 months.

Signs of teething in puppies

Puppy teething symptoms vary from puppy to puppy, but these are the common signs:

• More chewing than usual. Sore gums make chewing soothing.
• Extra drooling.
• Baby teeth found around the house, on toys or in bedding.
• More mouthing of hands, feet and clothing, especially around 16 weeks.

Mild, short-lived versions of these are normal during the teething phase. Dogs Trust advises checking for signs of discomfort and contacting your vet if you have any concerns. Red, swollen or bleeding gums, bad breath, refusing food or pawing at the mouth are signs of dental problems rather than ordinary teething, and need veterinary care.

Caring for your teething puppy

The best help is a good supply of the right things to chew, plus a few changes to your routine.

Safe chews and teething toys

• Offer appropriate chew toys designed for puppies. Blue Cross suggests chews or puppy teething rings to ease teething discomfort.
• Use the fingernail test. PDSA advises choosing chews soft enough to dent with your fingernail, because harder items can fracture teeth or make gums bleed.
• Pick the right size. Toys should be larger than your puppy's throat so they cannot be swallowed or choked on.
• Mix the textures. Rope, rubber and soft puppy toys all give a teething mouth something different.
• Rotate three or four toys every couple of days so they stay interesting.
• Replace anything damaged before small pieces can be swallowed.

Cold toys and stuffed food toys

Something cool can feel good on sore gums. A rubber toy rinsed in cold water or kept in the fridge is a gentle option. Be careful with ice: Blue Cross says ice licks are not suitable for dogs under seven months who still have their baby teeth, so avoid hard frozen blocks while your puppy is teething.

Stuffable food toys give a puppy a long, satisfying chew. Fill them with part of your puppy's normal food, softened with a little water, and take it out of their daily food allowance so you are not adding extra calories.

Everyday routine

• Supervise all chewing. PDSA says to always supervise your dog with any toy or chew.
• Puppy-proof the house. Keep shoes, cables, children's toys and anything toxic out of reach.
• Reward good choices. Praise your puppy when they chew the right thing, and swap anything unsuitable for a toy.
• Make sure they sleep enough. Tired puppies mouth more.
• Do not punish chewing. Telling a puppy off can damage trust and make frustration worse.

What to avoid while your puppy is teething

Some popular chews can do real damage to young teeth.

Retained baby teeth: when to see a vet

Sometimes a baby tooth does not fall out when the adult tooth arrives, so your puppy ends up with two teeth in the same space. These are called retained (or persistent) baby teeth.

They matter because an overcrowded mouth makes dental problems more likely, and a retained baby tooth can push the adult tooth so it comes through crooked. If the baby tooth does not come out naturally, your vet may suggest removing it under anaesthetic.

Look in your puppy's mouth every few days while they are teething. Book a vet appointment if:

• A baby tooth is still in place beside a fully grown adult tooth.
• Your puppy is six to seven months old and you can still see small, thin baby teeth.
• Adult teeth seem to be coming through at an odd angle, or the bite looks wrong.
• Your puppy refuses food or has difficulty eating.
• Gums are red, swollen, inflamed or bleeding.
• Your puppy paws at their face or mouth.
• A tooth looks broken or discoloured.

RSPCA advises that if you think your dog has fractured a tooth (whimpering while chewing, pawing at the mouth, blood in the saliva or refusing food), you should see your vet immediately. If your puppy is in obvious pain or you are worried, call your vet straight away. You know your puppy best.

Teething vs play biting

Teething and play biting overlap, but they are not the same thing. Teething is about sore gums and the urge to chew. Play biting is how puppies explore and play, and it starts long before teething, with their littermates.

Blue Cross says puppy biting during play is a phase most puppies grow out of by three to five months, while Battersea notes mouthing should steadily reduce over time.

Mouthing that is intense, hard to interrupt, or comes with growling or a stiff body is a different matter, and Dogs Trust recommends getting support for it.

Dental care: starting tooth brushing with your puppy

Teething is a good time to start getting your puppy used to having their mouth handled, so brushing their teeth becomes routine once the adult teeth are in. Good dental hygiene matters: the PDSA says regular brushing significantly reduces the risk of serious dental problems. The younger a puppy is when brushing is introduced, the more likely they are to accept it.

What you need:

• Pet toothpaste, ideally an enzymatic, flavoured one. It is safe for dogs to swallow; human toothpaste is not.
• A soft brush, such as a child-sized toothbrush or a dog toothbrush.

How to start:

1. Gently stroke your puppy's cheek so they get used to your hand near their mouth.
2. Let them sniff and lick a little pet toothpaste from your finger. The RVC suggests doing this for three to five days.
3. Run your finger along the gum line, a little more each session, building up over two to three weeks.
4. Introduce the brush, starting with the front teeth in small circular movements, and focus on where the teeth meet the gum.
5. Keep sessions short, stay calm and end on a good note.

Be gentle while teeth are loose and gums are sore. If your puppy's mouth looks sore or inflamed, ask your vet before brushing. Once the adult teeth are through, aim for daily brushing; at least three times a week still makes a real difference.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take for a puppy to lose all its baby teeth?

Usually around three to four months. Baby teeth start to fall out at about three to four months of age and the adult teeth are normally all through by six to seven months.

Is it normal for puppies to lose teeth at different times?

Yes. Timing varies with size and other factors, so two puppies of the same age may be at different stages. Ask your vet to check if baby teeth are still there at six to seven months.

Should I worry if my puppy's adult teeth come in crooked?

Mention it to your vet. A retained baby tooth can make an adult tooth come through crooked, and the RVC recommends a dental check at four to six months to make sure the adult teeth are coming through with good alignment.

Can I give my puppy ice cubes for teething?

It is best not to. Blue Cross says ice licks are not suitable for dogs under seven months who still have baby teeth. A rubber toy chilled in the fridge is a gentler choice.

Why is my puppy still chewing everything at a year old?

Some dogs have a second chewing phase around their first birthday as their teeth settle and adolescent hormones kick in. Keep offering safe chews and plenty of exercise and enrichment.

Can I use teething gel on my puppy?

Do not use teething gels made for babies or adults, and never give a puppy human medicines. If your puppy seems uncomfortable, ask your vet what is safe.